Description
A flavorful and easy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a hands-off meal that delivers bold taste and comforting texture, garnished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Sauce
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth or water, sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
- Shred or Serve: Once cooked, you can shred the chicken directly in the sauce with two forks for a pulled chicken style, or serve the breasts whole topped with the peanut sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro over the chicken before serving for added crunch and freshness. Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables as desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level or omit if you prefer no spice.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency before serving.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, or sautéed greens.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
